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Page 53
"I am about to send this launch, under a flag of truce, out to the
American flag-ship to procure some supplies for our prisoners, the
Se�or Hobson and his men. So if you have a desire to view the Yankee
ships at close range I shall be pleased to have you accompany it.
Possibly you speak the English, in which case you might prove of use as
interpreter."
"I do not speak it so well as does my friend the Se�or Remelios,"
replied Lieutenant Navarro, to whom this invitation had been extended.
"Then it may be that he will do me the favor to accompany the launch,"
suggested the Admiral, and of course Ridge gladly embraced the
opportunity thus offered.
"Perhaps I can stay on board the American ship," he said to himself,
"and not be compelled to revisit Santiago until I can do so as an
honest fighter, instead of as a contemptible spy. And what a chance it
will be for Navarro to escape from the Spaniards!"
Half an hour later the trim launch, now displaying a large white flag
forward, had passed the masts of the sunken _Merrimac_, the frowning
Morro on its lofty headland, and, standing out to sea, was drawing near
the superb cruiser _New York_, flag-ship of Admiral Sampson's fleet.
On either side of her, in imposing array, lay the great battle-ships
_Iowa_, _Massachusetts_, _Texas_, and _Oregon_, the last of which had
recently hurried to the scene of conflict from San Francisco, making a
record voyage of 13,000 miles by way of Cape Horn. Besides these there
was the _Brooklyn_, swiftest of American cruisers, together with half a
dozen more--cruisers, gunboats, yachts, and torpedo-boats--all in
war-paint, all ready for instant action, and all flying the banner of
stars and stripes. At the wonderful sight Ridge's heart glowed with
patriotism and a new courage. How impregnable looked the huge
battle-ships!--how terrible! Nothing could withstand them! He felt
sure of that.
The young Spaniard who sat beside him gazed on the outspread American
fleet in silent amazement. He had thought Cervera's ships formidable,
but now it seemed to him they would be but playthings for these modern
leviathans.
As the Spanish launch ranged alongside the flagship, an object of
curious attention to all on board, it was courteously received; but, to
Ridge's disappointment, only the officer in charge was permitted to
leave it. A few minutes later, however, a cadet tripped lightly down
the side ladder to say that the gentleman who spoke English was
requested to report on deck. As in obedience to this order our young
trooper followed him up the ladder, he found opportunity to say in a
low but earnest voice:
"I must see the Admiral, alone if possible. Have important
communication for him. Try and arrange an interview."
The cadet looked back in surprise, and then nodded his head. The next
moment they were on deck, when the "Se�or Remelios" could barely
control his joyful emotions at finding himself once more among his
countrymen and beneath his country's flag.
After a brief transaction of business the guests were invited into the
ward-room, which they had scarcely entered when word was passed that
the one speaking English was again wanted on deck. Promptly obeying
this summons, Ridge was conducted to a large after-cabin which he found
occupied by two officers. One, with stern features, iron-gray beard,
deeply lined forehead, and piercing eyes, he instantly recognized as
Admiral Sampson. The other he guessed to be Captain Chadwick,
commander of the ship.
"Well, sir," began the former, sharply, as the new-comer was left
standing, cap in hand, before them, "I understand that you wish to make
a private communication of importance. What is it? Are you desirous
of deserting your countrymen and joining us? If so, I would advise you
to go elsewhere before declaring your intention, because on board this
ship we have very little sympathy for deserters."
"Seeing that I am an American soldier, sir, belonging to Colonel Wood's
First Volunteer Cavalry, and am here by special order from General
Miles, I don't think there is much danger that I shall desert," replied
Ridge.
Both of his hearers uttered exclamations as he announced his
nationality, and Captain Chadwick muttered, "I should never have
suspected it."
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